User's Manual

Microsoft Wireless Home Networking USB Adapter or PC Card Adapter 12
powered, but many USB ports on keyboards or monitors
are not powered.
Wireless Networks
Microsoft Wireless Home Networking employs a wireless
transmission protocol called 802.11b, or Wi-Fi (for Wireless
Fidelity). It works by radio transmission, so does not
require cables to connect the computers as wired networks
do.
The range of Wi-Fi wireless networks is up to 4000 square
feet, and transmission occurs at speeds of up to 11 Mbps.
Wireless networks can transmit through walls and floors,
but the presence of many physical barriers may affect
signal strength and transmission speed. The following
table shows the interaction between wireless coverage
area and transmission speed for Microsoft Wireless Home
Networking components under various installation
circumstances.
Condition
Distance(m) Rate(Mbps)
25 11
35 5.5
40 2
Closed :
(Typical Home
Construction)
50 1
50 11
70 5.5
90 2
Semi-Open:
(Office
Cubicles)
115 1
160 11
270 5.5
400 2
Open:
(Outdoor or
Line of sight)
550 1
Wireless signals may be vulnerable to interference from
some cordless phone frequencies, microwave ovens, other
wireless devices, and neighboring wireless networks. The
wireless adapters have external antennas, which can be
positioned for best reception.